Your Life, Better

Preparing for the First Day of School: Parents

October 4, 2018

There are so many ways to raise your children and parents always want to be as tender as possible. However, when it comes to parting from your children especially for the first time, it can be quite difficult.

The first day of school can be one of the mixed feelings for kids and parents (yes, we know you worry too). The decisions made and actions carried out before the D-day can help make the situation better for you and your kid.

Preparing a child for their first day can be very daunting, leaving the parents especially the mothers in a quite confused state, not knowing if their child’s needs would be met or if the child would continue to cry after you have gone.

We would like to share some tips with you on how you can plan effectively and prepare your kid as well as yourself for the big and memorable day.

Conversation

Months before their big day, start to prepare them by having conversations with them. Let them know that it’s okay to be nervous about the big day. If they are a bit older, get their opinions about school what they feel about it and share yours too, make sure it is positive and try to calm their fears if any.

Prepare

Start an early morning routine before school starts. Don’t make the first day of school be the first time they get to wake up early. If they are used to an early routine, even on the weekends, you can get them to wake up on their own. Make sure they do the activities they would normally do on a school day. They can always observe their siesta afterward.

Visit

This is dependent on the kind of school you select, most schools would encourage it. All you need do is to discuss with the school and make plans to have your child visit the school. Let your child spend some hours in school and partake in some activities; you can leave them to themselves when you notice there are engrossed just to see their reaction. Meet with their teacher(s) and discuss any fears or special care related to your child. When your child finally begins, s/he would be familiar with the environment and perhaps, have a friend already. Most importantly you have confirmed that they are in safe hands.

Activities

Find out about after-school activities, football, arts & crafts, ballet, taekwondo, etc. , especially those your child would be interested in and inform them know about it, that way, they can look forward to those activities. You can start these activities with them at home too.

Friends

If your child goes on the bus, you can find an older person who lives in the same street to sit with him/her, if they attend the same school or encourage them to sit with one when they get on. If you’re dropping them off, try to be there a few minutes earlier so they can interact with their colleagues and make friends before assembly/classes commence.

Anxiety

Most kids find it difficult to detach from their parents. Find out if the school has a teacher who receives pupils upon entry, this might make the separation easier. Pack their favorite meal so you can inform him/her, let them go along with their favorite toy. Moreover, when it’s time to leave, don’t linger. Reassure your child that you would be there as soon as the school closes and keep to your word.

Note that your child’s academic excellence can only be achieved by a partnership between you, as parents and teachers. A child’s year is split into three: a third at school, a third asleep and a third awake at home or on holiday. Irrespective of the quality of the school, a child’s home life is of great importance; Your child may have started on a new journey, but your work is far from finished.